Last week, Pope Francis received a collection of world religious leaders in his first ecumenical and interreligious event. His address to them contained diplomatic niceties and specific expressions of good will aimed at Orthodox, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.

His remarks to the latter recognized that Muslims “worship the one living...

For at least a couple of decades, there has been a trend going around Catholic circles to "explore our Jewish roots." If this exploration was limited to interfaith dialogues between Jewish and Catholic theologians, or even to friendly discussions between Jews and Catholics, there wouldn't be a problem. Dialogues and discussions can be helpful, even praiseworthy. The trouble starts when lay Catholics decide to "try out" Jewish ritual.

"Where the bishop is, there is the community, even as where Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."

~ Ignatius of Antioch (Smyrn., viii, 2) circa A.D. 110, laid down this principle on true union with the Church, versus schism; all the more impressive because his casual use of the word "Catholic" demonstrates the widespread acceptance of the term at a very early date.